England's Paul Casey has joined LIV Golf, the breakaway tour announced Saturday.
Casey, ranked 26th in the world, has been a member of both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in recent years. He has 21 worldwide wins since turning pro in 2000 as well as a host of close calls at major championships.
He said he will make his debut at the Saudi Arabia-funded tour's third event, July 29-31 at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, New Jersey. He will be part of the team Crushers GC, which is captained by Bryson DeChambeau.
"You'll see me in Bedminster."
— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) July 2, 2022
Bring. It. On. 🙌#LIVGolf | @Paul_Casey | #CRUSHERSGC pic.twitter.com/Q9mO0pNvMT
Casey has represented Team Europe five times in the Ryder Cup. Former Ryder Cup teammates such as Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood previously had defected for the LIV tour.
The 44-year-old Casey has missed a big chunk of this season with a back injury. He last competed at the WGC-Match Play in March, playing two holes of his opening match when he conceded because of back spasms. He didn't play his next two matches and subsequently withdrew from the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
Casey said he is hopeful his back will improve in time for him to play The Open at St. Andrews from July 14-17.